A group of candidates in the upcoming Ghana Journalists Association (GJA) elections have expressed dissatisfaction over the lack of consultation regarding the decision to allow proxy voting in the upcoming polls.

The candidates, in a joint statement on Monday, June 24, 2025, slammed the GJA Election Committee over the introduction of proxy voting without engaging aspirants

They described the decision as undemocratic and detrimental to the transparency of the electoral process.

According to them, the move undermines the trust in the process and also contradicts the democratic values the GJA represents. 

They called on the Election Committee to suspend the proxy voting arrangement, citing precedent from the last GJA elections.

A portion of the statement reads, "We, the undersigned candidates in the ongoing GJA electoral process, write to express our deep concern regarding the issue of proxy voting in a press statement issued by the Election Committee without our knowledge.

As key stakeholders in this election, we believe that the principles of fairness, transparency, and inclusivity must guide every step of the process.

However, we have observed a growing trend where major decisions, some of which have significant implications for the integrity and credibility of the elections, are being taken without any form of engagement or prior notice to candidates.”

The candidates also raised suspicion over the current state of the voters' register, describing it as potentially bloated.

They called on the Election Committee to take immediate steps to clean the register to safeguard the integrity of the elections.

The candidates stressed their commitment to a peaceful, fair, and credible electoral process but highlighted the importance of transparency and consultation in the future.

The GJA election is for Sunday, June 30, 2025, with a total of 13 national candidates and 49 regional candidates having been cleared to stand for various leadership positions within the Association.